Cashman said at season's end that Sanchez would return behind the plate in 2019, and he reiterated that stance to reporters Sunday after a holiday event in Stamford, Connecticut.

“I always say follow my words,’’ Cashman said (via MLB.com). “Anybody who says otherwise, right now they would be wrong — although I have been asked. If you talk to teams, they would say he has been asked.’’

Cashman admitted that other teams have inquired about Sanchez, although he denied one rumored deal that reportedly would send him to the Marlins for catcher J.T. Realmuto.

“False, completely false,’’ Cashman said. “I saw that somebody had written that we had offered for Realmuto. That is completely false.’’

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The 26-year-old Sanchez, who has been much maligned for his defense the past couple of seasons, also struggled with the bat in 2018. He hit 18 home runs in 323 at-bats but slashed.186/.291/.406. He also spent two stints on the DL.

But Sanchez is young and a proven hitter despite last season's problems. Cashman appears ready to stand pat, despite the rumors ahead of MLB's winter meetings, which open Sunday in Las Vegas.